| e article "Basic Riding - Before Mounting" we | | | | mean following through. If you threaten with a |
| looked at ways to help your leg control and | | | | whip be prepared to give a tap with it, or the |
| balance. In helping yourself physically before | | | | horse knows you're simply bluffing. This gives him |
| getting on it might seem silly doing the exercises | | | | control and, more importantly, plants the seed to |
| but makes a difference! | | | | leave you out of control. |
| Your horse is tacked, double check the girth and | | | | As you're comfortable, your horse is calm and |
| prepare to get on. When you raise your foot to | | | | quiet and following your direction, bump with the |
| the stirrup use care to keep it pointed towards | | | | lower leg and say "trot". When he does let him do |
| his head, rather than into his side. If your foot | | | | it. If he gets charging ahead to a canter don't |
| should move and you jab him then he'll move, | | | | snatch on the reins - use *one* rein and pull him |
| then get corrected for moving. With your toe | | | | around and repeat "trot!" Remember you can ride |
| facing his head, some movement doesn't poke | | | | in large circles as long as he can lope them! Keep |
| him. Gather your reins and grab a handful of | | | | circling - when he's calm and relaxed and at the |
| mane or the horn for balance - straighten your | | | | speed you desire you can straighten him out. |
| leg and in one motion swing your leg over and | | | | If you're riding English you'll need to learn to |
| gently sit down. Don't "flop" into the saddle or on | | | | post...remember the adage "rise and fall with the |
| the horse's back like a thud of a sack of | | | | leg on the wall." When that leg is in the air you |
| potatoes. Instead sit down as if you're in a chair | | | | should be up, then sit as the leg comes down. |
| you're not sure will hold you - easily as if testing | | | | This takes practice! If you're having a hard time |
| that it'll hold. With your right foot secure the other | | | | seeing the legs take two different colored polo |
| stirrup. | | | | wraps - for example a white one on the left leg |
| Give a gentle side to side shake - as if settling | | | | and red on the right. You can look down without |
| into a deep cushioned comfortable seat. Get your | | | | leaning and easily see the leg because of the |
| feet in place, get those heels down and check | | | | wrap. This also works for leads. |
| your position in the saddle. Gather your reins | | | | When you begin to canter there's somewhat a |
| properly, with light contact with the horse's mouth. | | | | discipline/breed difference. While generally you'll |
| You don't want a snug hold or a death grip, nor | | | | apply leg pressure with the outside leg and slightly |
| enough play in the reins you must grab | | | | more forward pressure with the inside, remember |
| desperately to shorten them. Light contact means | | | | to shift your legs and let the pressure off when |
| you move your hands a few inches and it's | | | | he canters. Some teach to turn the nose slightly |
| connecting. You don't lean and get out of balance. | | | | to the wall of the arena, more common in |
| You're on, you're settled, you're collected - time | | | | Saddlebreds and some other show breeds. |
| for forward motion! Squeeze with the lower leg | | | | Performance people often tip the nose to the |
| firmly and say "walk." Some horses a slight tug on | | | | inside as in circle patterns that is the lead they |
| one rein will encourage them. As soon as he | | | | want the horse on. Whichever way you train be |
| begins to walk stop giving cues and let him - if he | | | | consistent. |
| stops repeat the cue. You want control so it's | | | | Riding is fun and good exercise. Riding well means |
| important to take it, even at a walk. Don't let the | | | | it's comfortable for you and your horse. |
| horse just wander aimlessly. Pick a point and go! | | | | Having your horse tacked and ready to go is only |
| Lay slight lower leg pressure and turn your horse | | | | part of preparing to ride. The bit and reins |
| around the leg. Use large circles, serpentines and | | | | communicate but so does your legs, weight and |
| figure 8 patterns. Make your cues clear and with | | | | mind. |
| authority. This doesn't mean being abusive. It does | | | | |